Anderson, Ryan, and Moffatt, Claire E. (2018) Ignorance is not bliss: if we don't understand hypoactive sexual desire disorder, how can flibanserin treat it? Commentary. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 15 (3). pp. 273-283.

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Abstract

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects as many as 1 in every 3 women, with a significant portion of these with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). These figures alone present significant psychological and pharmacologic challenges. Partly in response to this situation, in 2015 the US Food and Drug Administration approved flibanserin for the treatment of HSDD. This approval has drawn criticism on the grounds of efficacy and necessity.

Aim: To better inform potential consumers about FSD, flibanserin and other interventions for the treatment of HSDD, the importance of understanding the mechanism of FSD, and the efficacy of flibanserin and to review existing relevant knowledge.

Methods: A literature review of extant clinic studies and theoretical discussion articles was performed.

Outcomes: Efficacy of flibanserin for addressing symptoms associated with HSDD in premenopausal women.

Results: Extant literature and empirical evidence suggest that the efficacy of flibanserin for the treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women is at least questionable.

Clinical Translation: Clinicians considering the prescription of flibanserin would be well advised to appreciate some of the controversies concerning the efficacy of the drug.

Strengths and Limitations: The prohibitive usage guidelines, tenuous risk-benefit profile, and considerable cost of use of flibanserin are each worthy of consideration. Flibanserin thus far has been trialed in only a narrow patient range: premenopausal women in long-term relationships with acquired or generalized HSDD.

Conclusions: Although we acknowledge that the discovery and use of flibanserin constitute a compelling narrative, we conclude by questioning the specific efficacy and necessity of flibanserin in providing a treatment for HSDD in women.

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